Buffer unit, and apparatus and method for treating substrate with the unit

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the inventive concept provide an apparatus and method for storing a substrate. A buffer unit for storing a substrate includes a housing having an entrance formed at one side and a buffer space inside, a substrate support unit that supports one or more substrates in the buffer space, a pressure adjustment unit that adjusts pressure in the buffer space, and a controller that controls the pressure adjustment unit. The pressure adjustment unit includes a gas supply line that supplies a gas for pressurizing the buffer space and a gas exhaust line that reduces the pressure in the buffer space. At least one of the gas supply line and the gas exhaust line includes a plurality of lines.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

A claim for priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 is made to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0098590 filed on Aug. 23, 2018, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the inventive concept described herein relate to an apparatus and method for treating a substrate, and more particularly, relate to an apparatus and method for storing a substrate.

To manufacture semiconductor devices, various processes such as a photolithography process, an etching process, an ashing process, an ion implantation process, a thin-film deposition process, and the like are performed to form a pattern on a substrate. Among these processes, the etching process, the ion implantation process, and the thin-film deposition process treat the substrate in a vacuum atmosphere. When the substrate moved from the vacuum atmosphere to the atmospheric atmosphere is exposed to oxygen, particles and fumes are formed on the substrate. Therefore, after the substrate treating processes, a process of removing the particles and the fumes is performed while the substrate is stored in a buffer unit.

A process of adjusting the pressure in the space in which the substrate is stored is performed to remove the particles and the fumes in the buffer unit. The pressure adjustment process has a positive pressure mode in which the pressure in the storage space is adjusted to a positive pressure and a negative pressure mode in which the pressure in the storage space is adjusted to a negative pressure. For example, in the positive pressure mode, the foreign matter remaining on the substrate is blown and removed by filling the storage space with gas. In contrast, in the negative pressure mode, the foreign matter remaining on the substrate is discharged and removed by reducing the pressure in the storage space.

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating buffer units in the related art. Referring to FIG. 1, the buffer units include various types of units such as a first unit 2 and a second unit 4. The first unit 2 has a gas supply line 2 a, and the gas supply line 2 a supplies a gas into the first unit 2 to perform a positive pressure mode. The second unit 4 has a gas exhaust line 4 a, and the gas exhaust line 4 a reduces the pressure in the second unit 4 to perform a negative pressure mode.

The first unit 2 and the second unit 4 each perform only one of the positive pressure mode and the negative pressure mode and fail to perform two or more modes. Due to this, it is difficult to perform cleaning modes corresponding to various processes, and the cleaning efficiency is deteriorated.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the inventive concept provide an apparatus for cleaning a substrate by adjusting the pressure in a storage space in various ways while the substrate is stored.

Embodiments of the inventive concept provide an apparatus and method for improving cleaning efficiency by adjusting the pressure in a buffer space according to processes.

Embodiments of the inventive concept provide an apparatus and method for storing a substrate.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a buffer unit for storing a substrate includes a housing having an entrance formed at one side and a buffer space inside, a substrate support unit that supports one or more substrates in the buffer space, a pressure adjustment unit that adjusts pressure in the buffer space, and a controller that controls the pressure adjustment unit. The pressure adjustment unit includes a gas supply line that supplies a gas for pressurizing the buffer space and a gas exhaust line that reduces the pressure in the buffer space. At least one of the gas supply line and the gas exhaust line includes a plurality of lines. The controller controls the pressure adjustment unit to maintain the buffer space in a selected one of a filling mode in which the buffer space is filled with the gas and an exhaust mode in which the buffer space is evacuated. The controller controls the pressure adjustment unit such that the number of gas supply lines or the number of gas exhaust lines in the filling mode differs from the number of gas supply lines or the number of gas exhaust lines in the exhaust mode.

The gas supply line may include a plurality of gas supply lines, and the controller may control the pressure adjustment unit such that the number of gas supply lines used to supply the gas into the buffer space in the filling mode is larger than the number of gas supply lines used to supply the gas into the buffer space in the exhaust mode.

The pressure adjustment unit may further include a first supply unit that is connected to one of the gas supply lines and that supplies a purge gas into the buffer space and a second supply unit that is connected to another one of the gas supply lines and that supplies the purge gas into the buffer space. The controller may control the pressure adjustment unit to supply the purge gas into the buffer space from the first supply unit and the second supply unit in the filling mode and supply the purge gas into the buffer space from the first supply unit without the supply of the purge gas from the second supply unit in the exhaust mode.

The first supply unit may be located closer to the entrance than the second supply unit. The first supply unit may include a plurality of nozzles, and the nozzles, when viewed from above, may dispense the purge gas in a direction parallel to the entrance or at an acute angle with respect to the entrance. The gas exhaust line may include a plurality of gas exhaust lines, and the controller may control the pressure adjustment unit such that the number of gas exhaust lines used to discharge the gas from the buffer space in the exhaust mode is larger than the number of gas exhaust lines used to discharge the gas from the buffer space in the filling mode.

The gas exhaust line may include a plurality of gas exhaust lines, and the pressure adjustment unit may further include a first exhaust part that is connected to one of the gas exhaust lines and that evacuates the buffer space and a second exhaust part that is connected to another one of the gas exhaust lines and that evacuates the buffer space. The controller may control the pressure adjustment unit to evacuate the buffer space through the first exhaust part other than the second exhaust part in the filling mode and evacuate the buffer space through the first exhaust part and the second exhaust part in the exhaust mode. The first exhaust part may be located closer to the entrance than the second exhaust part.

The first exhaust part may include a plurality of exhaust ports. The exhaust ports may be arranged in a direction parallel to the entrance when viewed from above.

The controller may control the pressure adjustment unit to maintain a selected one of the filling mode and the exhaust mode according to a process gas that is used to treat the substrates before the substrates are stored in the buffer space.

The controller may control the pressure adjustment unit to maintain the exhaust mode to remove residues on the substrates in the buffer space and maintain the filling mode to dry the substrates in the buffer space.

The gas supply line may include a plurality of gas supply lines, and the gas exhaust line may include a plurality of gas exhaust lines. The controller may control the pressure adjustment unit such that the number of gas supply lines used to supply the gas into the buffer space in the filling mode is larger than the number of gas supply lines used to supply the gas into the buffer space in the exhaust mode. The controller may control the pressure adjustment unit such that the number of gas exhaust lines used to discharge the gas from the buffer space in the filling mode is smaller than the number of gas exhaust lines used to discharge the gas from the buffer space in the exhaust mode.

According to an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for treating a substrate includes a process module that treats the substrate and an index module located on one side of the process module. The index module includes a load port on which a carrier having the substrate received therein is placed, a transfer frame disposed between the load port and the process module, and a buffer unit that is disposed on one side of the transfer frame and that temporarily stores the substrate treated in the process module.

The buffer unit includes a housing having an entrance formed at one side and a buffer space inside, a substrate support unit that supports one or more substrates in the buffer space, a pressure adjustment unit that adjusts pressure in the buffer space, and a controller that controls the pressure adjustment unit. The pressure adjustment unit includes a gas supply line that supplies a gas for pressurizing the buffer space and a gas exhaust line that reduces the pressure in the buffer space. At least one of the gas supply line and the gas exhaust line includes a plurality of lines. The controller controls the pressure adjustment unit to maintain the buffer space in a selected one of a filling mode in which the buffer space is filled with the gas and an exhaust mode in which the buffer space is evacuated. The controller controls the pressure adjustment unit such that the number of gas supply lines or the number of gas exhaust lines in the filling mode differs from the number of gas supply lines or the number of gas exhaust lines in the exhaust mode.

The gas supply line may include a plurality of gas supply lines, and the controller may control the pressure adjustment unit such that the number of gas supply lines used to supply the gas into the buffer space in the filling mode is larger than the number of gas supply lines used to supply the gas into the buffer space in the exhaust mode.

The pressure adjustment unit may further include a first supply unit that is connected to one of the gas supply lines and that supplies a purge gas into the buffer space, a second supply unit that is connected to another one of the gas supply lines and that supplies the purge gas into the buffer space, and a first exhaust part that is connected to one of the gas exhaust lines and that evacuates the buffer space. The first supply unit and the first exhaust part may be located closer to the entrance than the second supply unit.

The gas exhaust line may include a plurality of gas exhaust lines, and the controller may control the pressure adjustment unit such that the number of gas exhaust lines used to evacuate the buffer space in the exhaust mode is larger than the number of gas exhaust lines used to evacuate the buffer space in the filling mode. The pressure adjustment unit may further include a first supply unit that is connected to one of the gas supply lines and that supplies a purge gas into the buffer space, a first exhaust part that is connected to one of the gas exhaust lines and that evacuates the buffer space, and a second exhaust part that is connected to another one of the gas exhaust lines and that evacuates the buffer space. The first supply unit and the first exhaust part may be located closer to the entrance than the second exhaust part.

The first supply unit may include a plurality of nozzles. The nozzles, when viewed from above, may dispense the purge gas in a direction parallel to the entrance or at an acute angle with respect to the entrance.

The first exhaust part may include a plurality of exhaust ports. The exhaust ports may be arranged in a direction parallel to the entrance when viewed from above.

The process module may include a first process unit that performs a first process using a first process gas and a second process unit that performs a second process using a second process gas. The controller may control the pressure adjustment unit to maintain the buffer space in the exhaust mode for a substrate subjected to the first process and maintain the buffer space in the filling mode for a substrate subjected to the second process.

The buffer unit may include a plurality of buffer units, one of which is located on one side of the transfer frame and another of which is located on an opposite side of the transfer frame. The substrate subjected to the first process may be stored in the one buffer unit, and the substrate subjected to the second process may be stored in the other buffer unit. A buffer space of the one buffer unit may be maintained in the exhaust mode, and a buffer space of the other buffer unit may be maintained in the filling mode.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a method for treating a substrate includes a substrate treating step of treating the substrate and a substrate storing step of storing the substrate in a buffer space of a buffer unit after the substrate treating step. The buffer space is maintained in a selected one of a filling mode in which the buffer space is filled with a gas supplied through a gas supply line and an exhaust mode in which the buffer space is evacuated through a gas exhaust line. The number of gas supply lines and the number of gas exhaust lines in the filling mode differ from the number of gas supply lines and the number of gas exhaust lines in the exhaust mode.

The number of gas supply lines used to fill the buffer space with the gas in the filling mode may be larger than the number of gas supply lines used to fill the buffer space with the gas in the exhaust mode.

The number of gas exhaust lines used to evacuate the buffer space in the exhaust mode may be larger than the number of gas exhaust lines used to evacuate the buffer space in the filling mode. One of a first process of treating the substrate with a first gas and a second process of treating the substrate with a second gas may be performed in the substrate treating step. The first gas and the second gas may be different types of gases. The selected mode may be varied depending on the type of gas used in the substrate treating step.

The exhaust mode may be maintained when the first process is performed, and the filling mode may be maintained when the second process is performed. The first gas may include fluorine (F), chlorine (CO, or bromine (Br), and the second gas may include ammonia (NH₃).

The buffer space may be heated to a higher temperature in the filling mode than in the exhaust mode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The above and other objects and features will become apparent from the following description with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating buffer units in the related art;

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view illustrating substrate treating equipment according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view illustrating a substrate treating apparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a buffer unit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating the buffer unit of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a pressure adjustment unit of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a process of performing an exhaust mode using the pressure adjustment unit of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a process of performing a filling mode using the pressure adjustment unit of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various modifications and variations can be made to embodiments of the inventive concept, and the scope of the inventive concept should not be constructed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, in the drawings, the shapes of components are exaggerated for clarity of illustration.

In the embodiments of the inventive concept, a substrate treating apparatus for etching a substrate using plasma will be described. However, without being limited thereto, the inventive concept is applicable to various types of apparatuses for treating a substrate using gas.

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view illustrating substrate treating equipment according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

Referring to FIG. 2, the substrate treating equipment 1 has an index module 10, a loading module 30, and a process module 20. The index module 10 has a load port 120, a transfer frame 140, and a buffer unit 2000. The load port 120, the transfer frame 140, and the process module 20 are sequentially arranged in a row. Hereinafter, the direction in which the load port 120, the transfer frame 140, the loading module 30, and the process module 20 are arranged is referred to as a first direction 12, a direction perpendicular to the first direction 12 when viewed from above is referred to as a second direction 14, and a direction perpendicular to the plane including the first direction 12 and the second direction 14 is referred to as a third direction 16.

A carrier 18 having a plurality of substrates W received therein is placed on the load port 120. A plurality of load ports 120 may be provided. The plurality of load ports 120 may be arranged in a row along the second direction 14. FIG. 2 illustrates one example that the index module 10 has three load ports 120. However, the number of load ports 120 may be increased or decreased depending on conditions such as the process efficiency and footprint of the process module 20. The carrier 18 has a plurality of slots (not illustrated) that are formed therein to support the edges of the substrates W. The plurality of slots are arranged along the third direction 16, and the substrates W are stacked one above another with a spacing gap therebetween in the carrier 18 along the third direction 16. A Front Opening Unified Pod (FOUP) may be used as the carrier 18.

The transfer frame 140 transfers the substrates W between the carriers 18 placed on the load ports 120, the buffer unit 2000, and the loading module 30. An index rail 142 and an index robot 144 are provided in the transfer frame 140. The index rail 142 is arranged such that the lengthwise direction thereof is parallel to the second direction 14. The index robot 144 is mounted on the index rail 142 and linearly moves along the index rail 142 in the second direction 14. The index robot 144 includes a base 144 a, a body 144 b, and an index arm 144 c. The base 144 a is installed to be movable along the index rail 142. The body 144 b is combined with the base 144 a. The body 144 b is movable on the base 144 a along the third direction 16. Furthermore, the body 144 b is rotatable on the base 144 a. The index arm 144 c is combined with the body 144 b and is movable forward and backward relative to the body 144 b. A plurality of index arms 144 c may be provided. The index arms 144 c may individually operate. The index arms 144 c may be stacked one above another with a spacing gap therebetween along the third direction 16. Some of the index arms 144 c may be used to transfer the substrates W from the process module 20 to the carriers 18, and the other index arms 144 c may be used to transfer the substrates W from the carriers 18 to the process module 20. Accordingly, particles generated from substrates W to be treated may be prevented from adhering to treated substrates W in the process in which the index robot 144 transfers the substrates W.

The buffer unit 2000 temporarily stores the substrates W treated in the process module 20. The buffer unit 2000 removes process by-products remaining on the substrates W. The removal of the process by-products in the buffer unit 2000 may be performed by raising or lowering the pressure in the buffer unit 2000. A plurality of buffer units 2000 may be provided. For example, two buffer units 2000 may be provided. The two buffer units 2000 may be provided on opposite sides of the transfer frame 140 and may be located to face each other with the transfer frame 140 therebetween. Alternatively, only one buffer unit 2000 may be provided on one side of the transfer frame 140.

The loading module 30 is disposed between the transfer frame 140 and a transfer chamber 242. The loading module 30 provides a space in which the substrates W stay before transferred between the transfer chamber 242 and the transfer frame 140. The loading module 30 includes a load-lock chamber 32 and an unload-lock chamber 34. The load-lock chamber 32 and the unload-lock chamber 34 are provided such that the inner spaces thereof can be switched between a vacuum atmosphere and an atmospheric atmosphere.

The load-lock chamber 32 provides a space in which a substrate W to be transferred from the index module 10 to the process module 20 temporarily stays. When the substrate W is placed in the load-lock chamber 32, the inner space of the load-lock chamber 32 is sealed from the index module 10 and the process module 20. Thereafter, the inner space of the load-lock chamber 32 is switched from the atmospheric atmosphere to the vacuum atmosphere, and the load-lock chamber 32 is open to the process module 20 in the state of being sealed from the index module 10.

The unload-lock chamber 34 provides a space in which a substrate W to be transferred from the process module 20 to the index module 10 temporarily stays. When the substrate W is placed in the unload-lock chamber 34, the inner space of the unload-lock chamber 34 is sealed from the index module 10 and the process module 20. Thereafter, the inner space of the unload-lock chamber 34 is switched from the vacuum atmosphere to the atmospheric atmosphere, and the unload-lock chamber 34 is open to the index module 10 in the state of being sealed from the process module 20.

The process module 20 includes the transfer chamber 242 and a plurality of process units 260.

The transfer chamber 242 transfers a substrate W between the load-lock chamber 32, the unload-lock chamber 34, and the plurality of process units 260. The transfer chamber 242 may have a hexagonal shape when viewed from above. Alternatively, the transfer chamber 242 may have a rectangular or pentagonal shape. The load-lock chamber 32, the unload-lock chamber 34, and the plurality of process units 260 are located around the transfer chamber 242. A transfer robot 250 is provided in the transfer chamber 242. The transfer robot 250 may be located at the center of the transfer chamber 242. The transfer robot 250 may have a plurality of hands 252 that are movable in the horizontal and vertical directions and movable forward or backward or rotatable on the horizontal plane. Each of the hands 252 is operable independently, and substrates W may be horizontally placed on the hands 252.

A substrate treating apparatus 1000 provided in each of the process units 260 will be described below. The substrate treating apparatus 1000 performs an etching or deposition process on a substrate W. According to an embodiment, the substrate treating apparatuses 1000 may perform different substrate treating processes, respectively. A first apparatus may perform a first process of supplying a first gas, and a second apparatus may perform a second process of supplying a second gas. The first gas may include fluorine (F), chlorine (CO, or bromine (Br), and the second gas may include ammonia (NH₃).

FIG. 3 is a sectional view illustrating the substrate treating apparatus of FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 3, the substrate treating apparatus 1000 includes a chamber 1100, a substrate support unit 1200, a gas supply unit 1300, a plasma source 1400, and an exhaust baffle 1500.

The chamber 1100 has a processing space 1106 in which a substrate W is treated. The chamber 1100 has a cylindrical shape. The chamber 1100 is formed of metal. For example, the chamber 1100 may be formed of aluminum. The chamber 1100 has an opening formed in a sidewall 1102 thereof. The opening functions as an entrance through which the substrate W is placed in or extracted from the chamber 1100. The opening is opened or closed by a door 1120. The chamber 1100 has a lower hole 1150 formed in the bottom thereof. A pressure-reducing member (not illustrated) is connected to the lower hole 1150. The processing space 1106 of the chamber 1100 may be evacuated by the pressure-reducing member and may be maintained in an atmosphere of reduced pressure during a process.

The substrate support unit 1200 supports the substrate W in the processing space 1106. The substrate support unit 1200 may be an electrostatic chuck 1200 that supports the substrate W using an electrostatic force. Alternatively, the substrate support unit 1200 may support the substrate W in various manners such as mechanical clamping.

The electrostatic chuck 1200 includes a dielectric plate 1210, a base 1230, and a focus ring 1250. The dielectric plate 1210 may be formed of a dielectric substance. The substrate W is directly placed on an upper surface of the dielectric plate 1210. The dielectric plate 1210 has a circular plate shape. The dielectric plate 1210 may have a smaller radius than the substrate W. An electrode 1212 for chucking is installed in the dielectric plate 1210. A power supply (not illustrated) is connected to the electrode 1212 for chucking. Power is applied from the power supply (not illustrated) to the electrode 1212 for chucking, and the substrate W is clamped to the dielectric plate 1210 by an electrostatic force. A heater 1214 for heating the substrate W is installed in the dielectric plate 1210. The heater 1214 is located under the electrode 1212 for chucking. The heater 1214 may be implemented with a coil in a spiral shape.

The base 1230 supports the dielectric plate 1210. The base 1230 is located under the dielectric plate 1210 and is fixedly combined with the dielectric plate 1210. An upper surface of the base 1230 has a stepped shape such that the central region is located in a higher position than the edge region. The central region of the upper surface of the base 1230 has an area corresponding to that of a bottom surface of the dielectric plate 1210. A cooling fluid channel 1232 is formed in the base 1230. The cooling fluid channel 232 serves as a passage through which a cooling fluid circulates. The cooling fluid channel 1232 may be provided in a spiral shape in the base 1230. The base 1230 is connected with an RF power supply 1234 located outside. The RF power supply 1234 applies power to the base 1230. The power applied to the base 1230 guides plasma generated in the chamber 1100 toward the base 1230. The base 1230 may be formed of metal.

The focus ring 1250 concentrates the plasma on the substrate W. The focus ring 1250 includes an inner ring 1252 and an outer ring 1254. The inner ring 1252 has an annular ring shape that surrounds the dielectric plate 1210. The inner ring 1252 is located on the edge region of the base 1230. The inner ring 1252 has an upper surface at the same height as the upper surface of the dielectric plate 1210. An inner portion of the upper surface of the inner ring 1252 supports the edge region of the backside of the substrate W. For example, the inner ring 1252 may be formed of a conductive material. The outer ring 1254 has an annular ring shape that surrounds the inner ring 1252. The outer ring 1254 is located adjacent to the inner ring 1252 on the edge region of the base 1230. The outer ring 1254 has an upper end higher than that of the inner ring 1252. The outer ring 1254 may be formed of an insulating material.

The gas supply unit 1300 supplies a process gas onto the substrate W supported on the substrate support unit 1200. The gas supply unit 1300 includes a gas reservoir 1350, a gas supply line 1330, and a gas intake port 1310. The gas supply line 1330 connects the gas reservoir 1350 and the gas intake port 1310. The process gas stored in the gas reservoir 1350 is supplied to the gas intake port 1310 through the gas supply line 1330. The gas intake port 1310 is installed in an upper wall 1104 of the chamber 1100. The gas intake port 1310 is located opposite the substrate support unit 1200. According to an embodiment, the gas intake port 1310 may be installed in the center of the upper wall 1104 of the chamber 1100. A valve may be installed in the gas supply line 1330 to open or close the inner passage of the gas supply line 1330 or to adjust the flow rate of gas flowing through the inner passage of the gas supply line 1330. For example, the process gas may be an etching gas.

The plasma source 1400 excites the process gas in the chamber 1100 into a plasma state. An Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) source may be used as the plasma source 1400. The plasma source 1400 includes an antenna 1410 and an external power supply 1430. The antenna 1410 is disposed over the chamber 1100. The antenna 1410 is provided in a spiral shape wound a plurality of times and is connected with the external power supply 1430. The antenna 1410 receives power from the external power supply 1430. The antenna 1410 to which the power is applied forms a discharge space in the inner space of the chamber 1100. The process gas staying in the discharge space may be excited into a plasma state.

The exhaust baffle 1500 uniformly releases the plasma from the processing space 1106 by region. The exhaust baffle 1500 has an annular ring shape. In the processing space 1106, the exhaust baffle 1500 is located between an inner wall of the chamber 1100 and the substrate support unit 1200. The exhaust baffle 1500 has a plurality of exhaust holes 1502 formed therein. The exhaust holes 1502 are directed in the vertical direction. The exhaust holes 1502 extend from an upper end of the exhaust baffle 1500 to a lower end thereof. The exhaust holes 1502 are spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the exhaust baffle 1500. Each of the exhaust holes 1502 has a slit shape and has a lengthwise direction directed in the radial direction.

Hereinafter, the aforementioned buffer unit will be described in more detail. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the buffer unit of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating the buffer unit of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 5. Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the buffer unit 2000 includes a housing 2100, a substrate support unit 2300, a pressure adjustment unit 3000, and a controller 3600.

The housing 2100 has a container shape with a buffer space 2120 inside. The housing 2100 has a lengthwise direction directed in the third direction 16. The buffer space 2120 is provided as a space in which a plurality of substrates can be received. The housing 2100 has an open face 2140 at one side. The open face 2140 is opposite the transfer frame 140. The open face 2140 functions as an entrance 2140 a through which the substrates W are transferred between the transfer frame 140 and the buffer space 2120. A heater (not illustrated) may be installed on a sidewall of the housing 2100 to heat the buffer space 2120.

The substrate support unit 2300 supports a substrate W in the buffer space 2120. The substrate support unit 2300 supports a plurality of substrates W. The plurality of substrates W are arranged in the vertical direction by the substrate support unit 2300. The substrate support unit 2300 includes a plurality of support slots 2330. The support slots 2330 have seating surfaces on which the substrates W are seated, respectively. Here, the seating surfaces may be upper surfaces of the support slots 2330. The support slots 2330 protrude from an inner surface of the housing 2100. Two support slots 2330 located at the same height are located to face each other when viewed from above. Furthermore, the support slots 2330 are spaced apart from each other along the third direction 16. The gap between the support slots 2330 adjacent to each other in the third direction 16 may be the same. Accordingly, the plurality of substrates W may be supported on the substrate support unit 230 in the state of being stacked one above another. Alternatively, when viewed from above, three or more support slots 2330 may be provided at the same height.

The pressure adjustment unit 3000 adjusts the pressure in the buffer space 2120. The pressure adjustment unit 3000 adjusts the pressure in the buffer space 2120 to a positive pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure or a negative pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure. The pressure adjustment unit 3000 includes a first exhaust part 2720, a second exhaust part 2740, a first supply unit 2620, a second supply unit 2640, a gas supply line 3100, and a gas exhaust line 3200.

The first exhaust part 2720 and the second exhaust part 2740 function as passages through which the atmosphere in the buffer space 2120 is evacuated. Particles and fumes removed from the substrates W are discharged through the first exhaust part 2720 and the second exhaust part 2740. The first exhaust part 2720 is located closer to the entrance 2140 a than the second exhaust part 2740 when viewed from above. The first exhaust part 2720 includes front ports 2720 a, and the second exhaust part 2740 includes a rear port 2740 a. The front ports 2720 a and the rear port 2740 a serve as exhaust ports through which the atmosphere in the buffer space 2120 is evacuated. For example, when viewed from above, the front ports 2720 a may be located on one side of the substrates W supported on the support slots 2330, and the rear port 2740 a may be located on an opposite side of the substrates W. The plurality of front ports 2720 a are arranged in a direction parallel to the entrance 2140 a. Accordingly, the front ports 2720 a may discharge introduced external contaminants before contact of the external contaminants with the substrates W in the buffer space 2120, thereby preventing contact between the substrates W and the external contaminants. Furthermore, the front ports 2720 a may discharge contaminants generated in the buffer space 2120 before release of the contaminants to the outside, thereby preventing pollution outside. The front ports 2720 a and the rear port 2740 a may be installed in one of the bottom and the ceiling of the housing 2100. In this embodiment, the front ports 2720 a and the rear port 2740 a are described as being installed in the bottom of the housing 2100. Alternatively, the front ports 2720 a and the rear port 2740 a may be installed in the ceiling of the housing 2100. In another case, one of the rear port 2740 a and the front ports 2720 a may be installed in the ceiling of the housing 2100, and the other may be installed in the bottom of the housing 2100.

The first supply unit 2620 and the second supply unit 2640 supply a purge gas into the buffer space 2120. The buffer space 2120 may have a positive pressure due to the purge gas supplied from the first supply unit 2620 and the second supply unit 2640, and contaminants remaining on the substrates W may be purged. Furthermore, the positive pressure in the buffer space 2120 may prevent introduction of external contaminants. The first supply unit 2620 is located closer to the entrance 2140 a than the second supply unit 2640 when viewed from above. The first supply unit 2620 includes a plurality of first gas nozzles 2620 a. The first gas nozzles 2620 a are located on opposite sides of the entrance 2140 a when the entrance 2140 a is viewed from the front. The first gas nozzles 2620 a located on the opposite sides may dispense the purge gas toward each other. The first gas nozzles 2620 a may dispense the purge gas in the horizontal directions. The first gas nozzles 2620 a may dispense the purge gas in a direction parallel to the entrance 2140 a or at an acute angle with respect to the entrance 2140 a. Accordingly, the first gas nozzles 2620 a may prevent introduction of external contaminants into the buffer space 2120. Furthermore, the first gas nozzles 2620 a are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. For example, the vertical gap between two first gas nozzles 2620 a adjacent to each other may be the same as the vertical gap between two support slots 2330 adjacent to each other. Accordingly, two first gas nozzles 2620 a may supply the purge gas to one substrate W.

The second supply unit 2640 includes a plurality of second gas nozzles 2640 a. The second gas nozzles 2640 a are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction and are arranged to have the same gap as the first gas nozzles 2620 a. The second gas nozzles 2640 a dispense the purge gas toward the substrates W when viewed from above. Accordingly, at least one second gas nozzle 2640 a may supply the purge gas to one substrate W to purge and clean contaminants remaining on the substrate W. According to an embodiment, the second gas nozzles 2640 a may be divided into a plurality of groups, each having second gas nozzles 2640 a arranged in the vertical direction. The plurality of groups of second gas nozzles 2640 a may supply the purge gas to the substrates W at various angles.

The gas supply line 3100 supplies the purge gas to the first supply unit 2620 and the second supply unit 2640. A plurality of gas supply lines 3100 may be provided. In this embodiment, the gas supply line 3100 is described as including a first gas supply line 3120 and a second gas supply line 3140. The first gas supply line 3120 supplies the purge gas to the first supply unit 2620, and the second gas supply line 3140 supplies the purge gas to the second supply unit 2640. For example, the purge gas may be an inert gas or air. A first supply valve 3122 may be installed in the first gas supply line 3120, and the first gas supply line 3120 may be opened or closed by the first supply valve 3122. A second supply valve 3142 may be installed in the second gas supply line 3140, and the second gas supply line 3140 may be opened or closed by the second supply valve 3142.

The gas exhaust line 3200 evacuates the atmosphere in the buffer space 2120 through the first exhaust part 2720 and the second exhaust part 2740. A plurality of gas exhaust lines 3200 may be provided. In this embodiment, the gas exhaust line 3200 is described as including a first gas exhaust line 3220 and a second gas exhaust line 3240. The first gas exhaust line 3220 is connected to the first exhaust part 2720, and the second gas exhaust line 3240 is connected to the second exhaust part 2740. A first exhaust valve 3222 may be installed in the first gas exhaust line 3220 to open or close the first gas exhaust line 3220. A second exhaust valve 3242 may be installed in the second gas exhaust line 3240 to open or close the second gas exhaust line 3240.

The controller 3600 controls the pressure adjustment unit 3000 to maintain the buffer space 2120 in a selected one of a filling mode and an exhaust mode. Here, the filling mode is a mode in which the purge gas fills the buffer space 2120 to pressurize the buffer space 2120, and the exhaust mode is a mode in which the buffer space 2120 is evacuated. The controller 3600 controls the first supply valve 3122, the second supply valve 3142, the first exhaust valve 3222, and the second exhaust valve 3242 to maintain one of the filling mode and the exhaust mode. The number of gas supply lines 3100 used and the number of gas exhaust lines 3200 used may be differently adjusted by the control of the valves 3122, 3142, 3222, and 3242. The number of gas supply lines 3100 and the number of gas exhaust lines 3200 in the filling mode differ from the number of gas supply lines 3100 and the number of gas exhaust lines 3200 in the exhaust mode.

In the filling mode, the controller 3600 may control the valves 3122, 3142, 3222, and 3242 to supply the purge gas into the buffer space 2120 from the first supply unit 2620 and the second supply unit 2640 and evacuate the buffer space 2120 through the first exhaust part 2720 other than the second exhaust part 2740. Accordingly, a gas flow toward the first exhaust part 2720 adjacent to the entrance 2140 a may be formed in the buffer space 2120, and even though contaminants are introduced into the buffer space 2120 from the outside, the contaminants may be discharged through the first exhaust part 2720 and may be prevented from making contact with the substrates W.

Furthermore, in the exhaust mode, the controller 3600 may control the valves 3122, 3142, 3222, and 3242 to evacuate the buffer space 2120 through the first exhaust part 2720 and the second exhaust part 2740 and supply the purge gas into the buffer space 2120 through the first supply unit 2620 without the supply of purge gas from the second supply unit 2640. Accordingly, a negative pressure may be formed in the buffer space 2120, and residues in the buffer space 2120 may be discharged through the first exhaust part 2720 and the second exhaust part 2740. Furthermore, the purge gas supplied from the first supply unit 2620 may prevent contaminants from being introduced into the buffer space 2120 from the outside. In addition, even though external contaminants are introduced into the buffer space 2120, the external contaminants may be discharged through the first exhaust part 2720 and may be prevented from making contact with the substrates W.

According to an embodiment, the number of gas supply lines 3100 used in the filling mode may be larger than the number of gas supply lines 3100 used in the exhaust mode. Furthermore, the number of gas exhaust lines 3200 used in the exhaust mode may be larger than the number of gas exhaust lines 3200 used in the filling mode.

In the filling mode, the number of gas supply lines 3100 used may be larger than the number of gas exhaust lines 3200 used, and in the exhaust mode, the number of gas exhaust lines 3200 used may be larger than the number of gas supply lines 3100 used.

Accordingly, in the filling mode, the supply pressure of the gas may be greater than the exhaust pressure of the gas, and in the exhaust mode, the exhaust pressure of the gas may be greater than the supply pressure of the gas.

The filling mode and the exhaust mode may be differently selected depending on the type of gas that is used to treat the substrates W before the substrates W are stored in the buffer space 2120. According to an embodiment, the exhaust mode may be maintained for the substrates W subjected to the first process, and the filling mode may be maintained for the substrates W subjected to the second process. The first gas including fluorine (F), chlorine (CO, or bromine (Br) may be used in the first process, and the second gas including ammonia (NH₃) may be used in the second process.

The filling mode and the exhaust mode may be differently selected depending on the purpose of cleaning. According to an embodiment, the exhaust mode may be maintained to remove residues on the substrates W, and the filling mode may be maintained to dry the substrates W. In the filling mode, water vapor in the buffer space 2120 may be removed to suppress a reaction of the water vapor with ions remaining on the substrates W. In the filling mode, the temperature of the buffer space 2120 may be adjusted to a higher temperature by the heater (not illustrated) that is installed in the housing 2100 than in the exhaust mode. Furthermore, a heater may be installed on the gas supply line 3100 and may heat the purge gas to a higher temperature in the filling mode than in the exhaust mode.

Hereinafter, a method of treating a substrate W using the above-described substrate treating apparatus will be described. A first substrate W₁ received in the carrier 18 is transferred to the load-lock chamber 32 by the index robot 144. The atmosphere in the load-lock chamber 32 is switched to a vacuum atmosphere, and the first substrate W₁ is transferred to a first process unit by the transfer robot 250 and subjected to a first process. When the first process is completed, the first substrate W₁ is transferred to the unload-lock chamber 34 by the transfer robot 250. The atmosphere in the unload-lock chamber 34 is switched to the atmospheric atmosphere, and the index robot 144 transfers the first substrate W₁ to the buffer unit 2000.

The first substrate W₁ is placed on the support slot 2330, and the buffer space 2120 is maintained in the exhaust mode as illustrated in FIG. 8. The purge gas is supplied into the buffer space 2120 through the first supply unit 2620 without the supply of purge gas from the second supply unit 2640. Furthermore, the buffer space 2120 is evacuated through the first exhaust part 2720 and the second exhaust part 2740. The purge gas from the first supply unit 2620 prevents introduction of external contaminants into the buffer space 2120, and residues on the substrate W₁ are discharged and removed through the first exhaust part 2720 and the second exhaust part 2740. For example, the gas used in the first process may include fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), or bromine (Br).

A second substrate W₂ different from the first substrate W₁ is subjected to a second process in a second process unit. The second substrate W₂ on which the second process is completely performed is transferred to the buffer unit 2000 and placed on the support slot 2330, and the buffer space 2120 is maintained in the filling mode as illustrated in FIG. 9. The first supply unit 2620 and the second supply unit 2640 supply the purge gas into the buffer space 2120. Furthermore, the buffer space 2120 is evacuated through the first exhaust part 2720 other than the second exhaust part 2740. The purge gas from the first supply unit 2620 prevents introduction of external contaminants into the buffer space 2120, and the purge gas from the second supply unit 2640 dries the substrate W₂. A gas flow toward the first exhaust part 2720 is formed in the buffer space 2120. Therefore, even though external contaminants are introduced into the buffer space 2120, the external contaminants are discharged through the first exhaust part 2720 before contact with the substrate W₂. For example, the gas used in the second process may include ammonia (NH₃).

In the above-described embodiments, it has been described that the first substrate W₁ and the second substrate W₂ are subjected to the different processes. However, one substrate W may be selectively subjected to one of the first process and the second process, and the buffer space 2120 may be maintained in a selected one of the filling mode and the exhaust mode according to the type of gas used in the selected process.

As described above, the supply pressure of the gas and the exhaust pressure of the gas may be differently applied by varying the number of gas supply lines 3100 and the number of gas exhaust lines 3200 in the filling mode and the exhaust mode.

Furthermore, the supply and release of the purge gas may be performed at one or more positions according to the modes. However, in each mode, at least one supply position and at least one release position may be adjacent to the entrance 2140 a. Accordingly, introduction of external contaminants or release of internal by-products may be prevented.

The filling mode and the exhaust mode may be differently selected depending on the types of gases that are used to treat the substrates W before the substrates W are stored in the buffer space 2120. Accordingly, the cleaning efficiency of the substrates W may be improved.

In addition, the filling mode and the exhaust mode may be differently selected depending on the purpose of cleaning, thereby improving the cleaning efficiency of the substrates W.

According to the embodiments of the inventive concept, one of the filling mode and the exhaust mode may be selectively performed by varying the number of gas supply lines used and the number of gas exhaust lines used.

Furthermore, according to the embodiments of the inventive concept, in the filling mode and the exhaust mode, introduction of external contaminants may be prevented by using the first supply unit and the first exhaust part that are closer to the entrance than the second supply unit and the second exhaust part.

In addition, according to the embodiments of the inventive concept, the filling mode and the exhaust mode may be differently selected depending on the type of gas used to treat the substrate. Accordingly, the cleaning efficiency of the substrate may be improved.

The above description exemplifies the inventive concept. Furthermore, the above-mentioned contents describe exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept, and the inventive concept may be used in various other combinations, changes, and environments. That is, variations or modifications can be made to the inventive concept without departing from the scope of the inventive concept that is disclosed in the specification, the equivalent scope to the written disclosures, and/or the technical or knowledge range of those skilled in the art. The written embodiments describe the best state for implementing the technical spirit of the inventive concept, and various changes required in specific applications and purposes of the inventive concept can be made. Accordingly, the detailed description of the inventive concept is not intended to restrict the inventive concept in the disclosed embodiment state. In addition, it should be construed that the attached claims include other embodiments.

While the inventive concept has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventive concept. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are not limiting, but illustrative. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A buffer unit for storing a substrate, the buffer unit comprising: a housing having an entrance formed at one side and a buffer space inside; a substrate support unit configured to support one or more substrates in the buffer space; a pressure adjustment unit configured to adjust pressure in the buffer space; and a controller configured to control the pressure adjustment unit, wherein the pressure adjustment unit includes: a gas supply line configured to supply a gas for pressurizing the buffer space; and a gas exhaust line configured to reduce the pressure in the buffer space, wherein at least one of the gas supply line and the gas exhaust line includes a plurality of lines, wherein the controller controls the pressure adjustment unit to maintain the buffer space in a selected one of a filling mode in which the buffer space is filled with the gas and an exhaust mode in which the buffer space is evacuated, and wherein the controller controls the pressure adjustment unit such that the number of gas supply lines or the number of gas exhaust lines in the filling mode differs from the number of gas supply lines or the number of gas exhaust lines in the exhaust mode.
 2. The buffer unit of claim 1, wherein the gas supply line includes a plurality of gas supply lines, and wherein the controller controls the pressure adjustment unit such that the number of gas supply lines used to supply the gas into the buffer space in the filling mode is larger than the number of gas supply lines used to supply the gas into the buffer space in the exhaust mode.
 3. The buffer unit of claim 2, wherein the pressure adjustment unit further includes: a first supply unit connected to one of the gas supply lines and configured to supply a purge gas into the buffer space; and a second supply unit connected to another one of the gas supply lines and configured to supply the purge gas into the buffer space, and wherein the controller controls the pressure adjustment unit to supply the purge gas into the buffer space from the first supply unit and the second supply unit in the filling mode and supply the purge gas into the buffer space from the first supply unit without the supply of the purge gas from the second supply unit in the exhaust mode.
 4. The buffer unit of claim 3, wherein the first supply unit is located closer to the entrance than the second supply unit.
 5. The buffer unit of claim 4, wherein the first supply unit includes a plurality of nozzles, and wherein the nozzles, when viewed from above, dispense the purge gas in a direction parallel to the entrance or at an acute angle with respect to the entrance.
 6. The buffer unit of claim 1, wherein the gas exhaust line includes a plurality of gas exhaust lines, and wherein the controller controls the pressure adjustment unit such that the number of gas exhaust lines used to discharge the gas from the buffer space in the exhaust mode is larger than the number of gas exhaust lines used to discharge the gas from the buffer space in the filling mode.
 7. The buffer unit of claim 2, wherein the gas exhaust line includes a plurality of gas exhaust lines, wherein the pressure adjustment unit further includes: a first exhaust part connected to one of the gas exhaust lines and configured to evacuate the buffer space; and a second exhaust part connected to another one of the gas exhaust lines and configured to evacuate the buffer space, and wherein the controller controls the pressure adjustment unit to evacuate the buffer space through the first exhaust part other than the second exhaust part in the filling mode and evacuate the buffer space through the first exhaust part and the second exhaust part in the exhaust mode.
 8. The buffer unit of claim 7, wherein the first exhaust part is located closer to the entrance than the second exhaust part.
 9. The buffer unit of claim 8, wherein the first exhaust part includes a plurality of exhaust ports, and wherein the exhaust ports are arranged in a direction parallel to the entrance when viewed from above.
 10. The buffer unit of claim 6, wherein the controller controls the pressure adjustment unit to maintain a selected one of the filling mode and the exhaust mode according to a process gas that is used to treat the substrates before the substrates are stored in the buffer space.
 11. The buffer unit of claim 6, wherein the controller controls the pressure adjustment unit to maintain the exhaust mode to remove residues on the substrates in the buffer space and maintain the filling mode to dry the substrates in the buffer space.
 12. The buffer unit of claim 1, wherein the gas supply line includes a plurality of gas supply lines and the gas exhaust line includes a plurality of gas exhaust lines, wherein the controller controls the pressure adjustment unit such that the number of gas supply lines used to supply the gas into the buffer space in the filling mode is larger than the number of gas supply lines used to supply the gas into the buffer space in the exhaust mode, and wherein the controller controls the pressure adjustment unit such that the number of gas exhaust lines used to discharge the gas from the buffer space in the filling mode is smaller than the number of gas exhaust lines used to discharge the gas from the buffer space in the exhaust mode.
 13. An apparatus for treating a substrate, the apparatus comprising: a process module configured to treat the substrate; and an index module located on one side of the process module, wherein the index module includes: a load port on which a carrier having the substrate received therein is placed; a transfer frame disposed between the load port and the process module; and a buffer unit disposed on one side of the transfer frame and configured to temporarily store the substrate treated in the process module, wherein the buffer unit includes: a housing having an entrance formed at one side and a buffer space inside; a substrate support unit configured to support one or more substrates in the buffer space; a pressure adjustment unit configured to adjust pressure in the buffer space; and a controller configured to control the pressure adjustment unit, wherein the pressure adjustment unit includes: a gas supply line configured to supply a gas for pressurizing the buffer space; and a gas exhaust line configured to reduce the pressure in the buffer space, wherein at least one of the gas supply line and the gas exhaust line includes a plurality of lines, wherein the controller controls the pressure adjustment unit to maintain the buffer space in a selected one of a filling mode in which the buffer space is filled with the gas and an exhaust mode in which the buffer space is evacuated, and wherein the controller controls the pressure adjustment unit such that the number of gas supply lines or the number of gas exhaust lines in the filling mode differs from the number of gas supply lines or the number of gas exhaust lines in the exhaust mode.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the gas supply line includes a plurality of gas supply lines, and wherein the controller controls the pressure adjustment unit such that the number of gas supply lines used to supply the gas into the buffer space in the filling mode is larger than the number of gas supply lines used to supply the gas into the buffer space in the exhaust mode.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the pressure adjustment unit further includes: a first supply unit connected to one of the gas supply lines and configured to supply a purge gas into the buffer space; a second supply unit connected to another one of the gas supply lines and configured to supply the purge gas into the buffer space; and a first exhaust part connected to one of the gas exhaust lines and configured to evacuate the buffer space, and wherein the first supply unit and the first exhaust part are located closer to the entrance than the second supply unit.
 16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the gas exhaust line includes a plurality of gas exhaust lines, and wherein the controller controls the pressure adjustment unit such that the number of gas exhaust lines used to evacuate the buffer space in the exhaust mode is larger than the number of gas exhaust lines used to evacuate the buffer space in the filling mode.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the pressure adjustment unit further includes: a first supply unit connected to one of the gas supply lines and configured to supply a purge gas into the buffer space; a first exhaust part connected to one of the gas exhaust lines and configured to evacuate the buffer space; and a second exhaust part connected to another one of the gas exhaust lines and configured to evacuate the buffer space, and wherein the first supply unit and the first exhaust part are located closer to the entrance than the second exhaust part.
 18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first supply unit includes a plurality of nozzles, and wherein the nozzles, when viewed from above, dispense the purge gas in a direction parallel to the entrance or at an acute angle with respect to the entrance.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first exhaust part includes a plurality of exhaust ports, and wherein the exhaust ports are arranged in a direction parallel to the entrance when viewed from above.
 20. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the process module includes: a first process unit configured to perform a first process using a first process gas; and a second process unit configured to perform a second process using a second process gas, and wherein the controller controls the pressure adjustment unit to maintain the buffer space in the exhaust mode for a substrate subjected to the first process and maintain the buffer space in the filling mode for a substrate subjected to the second process.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the buffer unit includes a plurality of buffer units, one of which is located on one side of the transfer frame and another of which is located on an opposite side of the transfer frame, wherein the substrate subjected to the first process is stored in the one buffer unit, wherein the substrate subjected to the second process is stored in the other buffer unit, wherein a buffer space of the one buffer unit is maintained in the exhaust mode, and wherein a buffer space of the other buffer unit is maintained in the filling mode. 